Preventative Scan Saves Life of Non-Smoker

Shira Boehler, a mother of four from Nashville, Tennessee, underwent a preventative full-body MRI in July of last year, at age 43. This was a personal choice, costing $2,000 out-of-pocket, intended as a baseline health measure.

The MRI detected a 1.5-inch spot on her lungs. Although initially not flagged as concerning, Boehler, who has no history of smoking, followed up with her family, including her father, a lung specialist.

Subsequent tests in September, including a diagnostic chest CT scan, confirmed Stage 1B lung cancer. The tumor measured 1.65 inches and had not spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent surgery five days later to remove the affected lobe.

Boehler, now 44, emphasizes that the scan saved her life. She has since written a book, "One Scan Saved My Life," to be published on April 28, 2026, and launched the foundation cancerdoesntcare to support lung screening access and research.

She advocates for wider lung screening, noting that while smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, it is not the only one. Early detection, as in her case, offers survival rates exceeding 90 percent.